Poling platform mounted folding top for flats boat

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a top for a boat fitted with an aft-mounted, raised poling platform providing protection from the sun for passengers at the vessel&#39;s centrally mounted helm, which a) may be easily attached to vessel&#39;s existing poling platform, b) allows unencumbered access all around the vessel&#39;s gunwales, b) folds up, down or longitudinally for storage, d) may be used at the vessel&#39;s intended operating speed, and e) may easily removed. The top shall be constructed of rigid metal, plastic or composite tubing and covered with a flexible or rigid material for protection from the elements. Other options for this type of boat include centrally mounted T-Top designs which interfere with fishing, umbrella designs which cannot be used at speed, and gunwale mounted rigid or folding which interfere with access to the boat&#39;s perimeter such as fishing and ingress/egress.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Patent Application No, 61/208,473 Filed Feb. 25, 2009 by applicant Ross Arthur Johnson, U.S.P.T.O. customer number 79141

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Flats boats are defined as boats having shallow draft, low gunwales, open decks and a stern mounted raised “poling platform” for a fisherman or fishing guide to stand on to look for fish and push the boat in shallow water by means of along, light-weight pole called a “push pole”. These boats provide open access for fly fishing and walking about the perimeter of the boat to fish. Current methods for providing a top for protection from the sun on this type of vessel are limited to a) variations of umbrellas which can only be used when the vessel is stationary, b) rigid “T” shaped structures, called “T-Tops” affixed to the floor at the center of the vessel providing a clear perimeter, or c) folding, gunwale mounted “Bimini top” top which can be easily lowered but interferes with the clear access to the perimeter of the boat.

Umbrella variations provide shade, and can be easily removed and stored, but can only be used when the vessel is at rest or at very low speed.

The “T” shaped top (commonly referred to as a “T-Top”), is a rigid tubular structure affixed permanently to the vessel by bolting to the structure, which provides shade and mounting for equipment. It has emerged as a popular solution providing protection from the sun and the elements, without external straps and brackets extending to the vessel's gunwales. The T-Top, however, is rigidly mounted and does not allow for the vessel to fit in garages or under low bridges, and interferes with the flats boat's intended purpose of providing an open platform for fly-fishing.

A gunwale mounted frame (commonly referred to as a “Bimini Top”) with a canvas covering on it, held in place by straps or tubes with release pins attached to the gunwales. The Bimini top can be lowered, but lacks rigidity for passengers to hold onto or for mounting gear. The Bimini top interferes with fishing and boating activities, as the frame, straps and other brackets or tubing are attached around the perimeter of the vessel.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides a folding top for boats equipped with aft-mounted, raised poling platforms, providing protection from the sun for passengers which can be used at speed while providing unobstructed access around the boat's gunwales, a method to fold the top out of the way when not is use, ease of installation and ease of removal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

Three drawings with front and top views of the two design variations:

1. FIG. 1—Upward Folding (FlatsUp)

2. FIG. 2—Longitudinal Folding (FlatsLon)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides shade for person at the boat's centrally mounted helm, while providing clear access to walk about the gunwales of the vessel, usable at speed other than stationary or nearly stationary, folds up, down or longitudinally when not is use and is easy to remove by removing quick release pins or bolt. Installation shall be by brackets affixed to the vessel's existing, aft-mounted, raised “poling platform”.

This invention provides a top for a raised, poling-platform equipped boat providing protection form the sun for passengers, which:

-   -   a) shall be attached to the vessel's existing, aft, raised         “poling platform” using clamp-on fittings or brackets otherwise         affixed to said structure with screws, bolts or other means,         which     -   b) extends forward over the seat of the vessel's centrally         mounted helm,     -   c) provides open access completely around the perimeter of the         boat without straps or other contrivances attached to the         gunwales or perimeter of the boat,     -   d) may fold upward, downwards or longitudinally for storage when         not is use,     -   e) is usable at non-stationary speeds,     -   f) can be easily removed,     -   g) shall be constructed of rigid metal, plastic or composite         tubing and covered with a flexible or rigid material for         protection from the sun. 

1. This invention is unique due to its ability to provide shade for passengers via a frame and canvas covering providing rigidity and convenience of mounting entirely to a flats boat's raised poling platform, with no straps or brackets to perimeter of vessel combined with its unique ability to: a) Mount to the vessel's existing, aft-mounted, raised poling platform, b) Provide unencumbered access to walk around the vessel's perimeter gunwales without interruption of the top or its mounting gear, c) Fold up, down or longitudinally for storage, d) Be used at the vessel's intended operating speed, e) Be removed easily. 